12 P.D. 123 



Report of the Division of Plant Pest Control 



A thorough inspection of the Massachusetts nurseries was made during the past 

 summer, at which time special attention was given to scales, borers, common insects 

 and plant diseases. In addition to this inspection, special examinations were made for 

 white pine blister rust, Japanese beetle, and gypsy moths. These inspections showed 

 that the nurseries were freer from insect pests and plant diseases than they have been 

 for several years. This is due partially to the fact that a protective belt has been 

 maintained around all of the larger nurseries, thereby reducing the danger of insect 

 infestations coming in from surrounding properties. 



The inspections that were made of nursery stock coming into Massachusetts from 

 other States showed the stock to be in good condition and apparently free from injur- 

 ious pests. 



We were able to issue all of our certificates at an early date, which fact was appre- 

 ciated by the nurserymen. 



Japanese beetles were found in two nurseries, but the infestations were so light that 

 they caused little concern. This insect is well established now in Massachusetts, but 

 is considered serious only in the city of Springfield where considerable trapping is 

 carried on in an effort to control it. 



The usual enforcement of the European corn borer law was undertaken during the 

 first part of December, and while a large number of violations were reported by the 

 inspectors, it is pleasing to note that they were all first violations. This would indicate 

 that the educational campaign that we are carrying on is proving beneficial. The corn 

 borer does not seem to be increasing in intensity throughout the State as a whole, 

 although in the Connecticut Valley the corn seems to be more heavily infested at this 

 time than it was a few years ago. Thorough cleaning up of crops and plowing the 

 stubble in the fall are still the best control measures. This practice can be supple- 

 mented by spraying, which is now advocated by the United States Department of 

 Agriculture. 



The Dutch elm disease has not as yet been found in Massachusetts. It is, however, 

 considerably nearer the border than it was a year ago. It has been found within 10 

 miles of the Massachusetts line. The known carrier beetles of this disease are well 

 established in both the eastern and western parts of the State and we have realized for 

 some time that if the disease is brought into the State, it probably will spread rapidly. 

 Some scouting has been carried on for the disease, principally from the Experiment 

 Station at Amherst, and it would not be surprising if the disease was reported at most 

 any time. 



Apiary Inspection 



In 1938 it was decided to concentrate apiary inspection in the central part of the 

 State, covering as much area as the funds would permit. The towns immediately west 

 of the Connecticut River, east to Essex or Norfolk Counties were inspected, although 

 some towns were necessarily omitted due to the exhaustion of funds. A few towns 

 were also inspected in Essex and Norfolk Counties. In the inspection of a town, each 

 known apiarist was visited and all of the colonies were examined as well as the stored 

 combs. 



Very little European foulbrood was found. This disease is of slight importance at 

 present. American foulbrood, however, was found indiscriminately scattered through- 

 out the area. Few localities were seriously infected. Some towns were entirely free 

 from disease. 



At the close of the season practically all apiaries where disease had previously been 

 found were re-visited. In most instances the disease had been suppressed, which en- 

 abled the release of the apiary from quarantine. 



With the small appropriation allotted, 2,247 inspections were made. The area which 

 was covered during the year will again be inspected in 1939, but only the apiaries in 

 which disease was discovered in 1938 and adjacent apiaries will be examined, unless 

 further disease is discovered. Towns which were necessarily omitted in the area, will 

 be thoroughly inspected. It is hoped also, to expand the area on all sides in 1939, 

 particularly in Essex and Norfolk Counties. 



White Pine Blister Rust 

 Local and Federal agencies in Massachusetts cooperating with this division, were 

 instrumental in continuing efforts to prevent further damage by the white pine blister 

 rust disease. The disease results from the growth of a parasitic fungus within the 

 inner bark of white pine trees. This fungus, however, aside from its growth on white 

 pines has what is known as an alternate stage ; that is, a part of its life is spent in the 



